However, he remained down after treatment in obvious discomfort and was unable to continue, eventually being replaced by Ousmane Dembele after 26 minutes.

❗ [INJURY NEWS] Tests carried out on the first team player Leo Messi have confirmed that he has a fracture of the radial bone in his right arm. He will be out for approximately three weeks. #FuerzaLeopic.twitter.com/kpNcspnfqo

The club have since confirmed he has fractured a bone in his right arm, ruling him out for the next three weeks, including the visit of their arch rivals, along with a crucial Champions League tie against Serie A side Inter.

Messi had already left his mark on the game as he helped Barcelona into a 2-0 lead, teeing up Philippe Coutinho for the opener before netting his 32nd career goal against Sevilla inside the opening 12 minutes. Ernesto Valverde's side went on to win 4-2.

But that cameo display has been overshadowed by an injury which will see him miss the club's next five games.

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Barca face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, before hosting Real next Sunday.

The Catalans then face three away games in a row against Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey, Rayo Vallecano in La Liga and the return game with Inter.

The three-week injury assessment means Messi will likely return in time for the club's clash with Atletico Madrid at the end of November, which follows an international break.